I've been thinking about these monogrammed steak brands for years. I saw them in a Williams-Sonoma catalog. Mostly because I think it would be really cool to have guests show up to grill some steaks in the backyard, and then you serve them meat branded with your new monogram. Odd, but very cool.

So I think this is a great gift for your groom, groomsmen, father of the bride, or any grilling aficionado. (Heck, if any of you are shopping for my birthday - get me one - oh, and a grill to go in my NYC apartment...) Single, double and triple letter monograms are available for about $39.95.

Friday, May 22, 2009

Monday officially starts the grilling season. And what does any groom love better than grills, some juicy steaks and ice cold beer. (Vegetarians: bocca burgers do apply!) Here are some fun (and useful) bbq products on Etsy - LOVE THEM - to kick off your holiday!

Wild Western vintage cowboy labels on a variety of sauces. Great for bbq wedding or rehearsal dinner favors! From Handykane.

Gourmet bbq rub spice kit. Another great favor - and you don't have to have bbq at the wedding to appreciate it! Only $16.00 from Purpose Design.

This necklace is absoltely hilarious. If you buy this, please send me a picture and I will post it. I think it is adorable and scary all at the same time :-) PinkHelloKitty

Reward your groom's inner griller. This apron with a t-bone pocket is great to store your grill tongs in between flips! Find it in the Snappyshop.

A caddy of bbq rubs perfect for favors. Pictured is zesty pork rub and smokin creole rub. Find this and more from Basil and Things.

Originally reported in BizBash Toronto, the International Contemporary Furniture Fair had some very interesting designs that can add flair to any event.

Sywawa Frou Frou parasol. I think this is totally outrageous as home decor, but a great inspiration for what you can do with chainetter fringe. Weddings can be a place to experiment and an outdoor ceremony or reception would be enhanced by tightly packed fringe swaying in the breeze. Translation to wedding decor: fringe hanging off of a chuppah or altar arch, a ceiling treatment in a loft, skirting for your tables or bars, and so much more!

Hiyoshia lamps. What I really love about these is that they are the next generation of the standard rice paper lantern. They are a Japanese parasol and inventive lantern combined. You can enhance the standard paper lantern to use at your wedding. Combine it with patterned paper, paint your lanterns, put colored bulbs instead of standard. Use your imagination!

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

I love the juicy orange tones with bright green leaves. This modern, square arrangement uses a variety of different flowers (roses, tulips, dahlias, & dendrobium orchids) in sections to create a varied and modern look. Adding a candle to the middle gives the entire centerpiece extra glow.

The orange tone continues with bright cantelope-colored pomanders hanging from an altar or arbor. These pomanders are most inexpensively created with carnations (one of the best uses for the "cheaper" flower). A variety of orchids are brought together in this cone arrangement; some strung to hang down to the table level and create more visual interest.

I absolutely love this arrangement because it can be classic and modern at the same time. The purple color of the tulips pop above the wrapped green leaves. The footed glass container allows for just the gathered tulip heads to pop out. Perfect for so many occasions (brunch, bridal shower, casual wedding)!

Using provided linens from your venue or caterer, you can save a lot of money. Spruce up the provided colors with ribbon accents down the center of the table, chargers, custom napkins (not as expensive as you think) and lots of candlelight.

Sunday, May 17, 2009

A black and white theme based on this Carolina Herrera lace halter dress with simple black ribbon accent and interesting stripe pattern on the skirt. This dress inspired a look that was part classic, part modern with touches of bright color.

Featured Design Board of the Day: submit your boards at momentsbymorgan@yahoo.com!

Saturday, May 16, 2009

Came across this cupcake tree stand at Pink Cake Box. It is an idea I haven't seen before and one I love. You HAVE to cut the cake at your wedding. I know, I know, I agree that its your day, etc. etc. You still have to cut the cake. 30 years from now, if you don't, you will wish you did. This is the perfect combination. An upper tier to cut (or save for your first anniversary) and lower tiers of amazing cupcakes. In addition to being a more whimsical dessert, cupcakes let you give your guests a wider variety of flavors, and also help serve dietary restrictions (sugar free for diabetics, gluten free for celiacs, etc.). These cakes strike me as more birthday than wedding, but you get the idea!

Inspiration Slideshow

Please note that the images below are collected from various websites only for inspiration. I have not created any of the images below. When building a wedding, I try to look at everything available to see what sparks creativity. I hope this helps you in your planning!
All photographs below are by Barnett Photography www.barnettphoto.com. All designs were created specifically for The Wedding Luncheon at the Hard Rock Hotel in San Diego California.
The Wedding Luncheon - straight from The Special Event Show 2009 in San Diego, CA. Stay tuned for more photos in future slideshows.

About Moments by Morgan

Moments by Morgan is able to offer advice to brides and grooms from a unique perspective, blending the experience of an event planner and the enthusiasm of a fellow bride. We are also committed to helping couples make socially-responsible choices while planning their big day!